Look at this friendly smiling face. The lovely carving depicts Liu Hai (刘海) who is one of the most popular Daoist (Taoist) figures and represents Prosperity and Wealth. Liu Hai was a Minister of State during the 10th century in China. The story goes that he became good friends with a three-legged toad which had the fabulous ability to transport its owner to any place in the world. The toad had a love not only for water but also for gold. If it happened to escape down a well, Liu Hai could lure it with a string of gold coins. In this lovely carving the toad is looking down from Liu Hai's shoulder. However instead of a string of coins, Liu Hai is holding a brush with which he could sweep away worries and trouble. In his other hand is a box which is said to contain riches so probably also gold coins. Generally carvings of this quality are attributed to the Qianlong period (1796 - 1795) but jade experts now believe that some can be dated to the end of the Ming period (1368 - 1644). Acquired from antiques dealer mr Lewin of the Jade Company in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1974. Zitan stand of the period depicting the ‘Three friends of winter’ (see Quick Find 4132). Height 5.4 cm. Width 5.0 cm. Depth 2.6 cm. Weight 105.5 grams.